This April, We're All About Knitwear

Towards the end of last year, we began planning the themes that we wanted to use in the upcoming twelve months. To help us, we sent out a survey, and oh boy, was it helpful. And one thing that you overwhelmingly told us was that you wanted to see more knitwear. 

In the realm of sewing, there are people who love sewing knits and those who are afraid of them. But there's no need for fear! Sewing knits can be a wonderfully satisfying experience: they tend to be easier to fit; they sew up very quickly; and (score!) you don't have to worry about seam finishes!

With all that in mind, we decided to make April the month to sew knit tops. Versatile, oh-so-comfy, and oh-so-fun to sew, knit shirts are a staple of any wardrobe. And with these patterns, you're guaranteed to find tried-and-true patterns that you're going to want to make again and again. 

So, without further ado, let's talk about the boxes! 

Lightweight Box: Agnes Top from Tilly and the Buttons

If you're one of the sewists who is a little hesitant about sewing knits, Tilly and the Buttons will convert. With incredibly helpful instructions and tips about sewing knits on a regular sewing machine, the Agnes Top pattern will guide you through every step of sewing your next favorite shirt.

The Agnes Top is a close-fitting top finished with a narrow neckband. Irresistibly wearable and endlessly versatile, it can be made with long or cropped sleeves, plain or ruched at the shoulder, and scoop neckline or ruched sweetheart neckline. All in all, this top is a wardrobe staple you'll make again and again.

Now to the fabrics:

• Royal Blue Striped Ponte - Ok, we admit, this is basically the fabric from the photo, but we love the French navy look so much that we're not sorry. This soft, medium weight rayon ponte is perfect for this shirt. Ponte is a lovely stable knit that will be easy to sew, making this fabric option ideal for knit newbies. And even if you're not a newbie, it's a classic choice for a lovely striped top
• Light Heather Gray Linen Knit - The beauty of a gray knit shirt is that it goes with absolutely everything! And this knit is so soft and comfortable, you may never want to take it off. The linen means that that knit is breathable and durable. Without the addition of spandex, this fabric isn't as body-hugging as the other two options. But hey, that's sometimes a good thing, right?
• Flotsam & Jetsam Cotton Knit - In our opinion, knit tops are the best kind of garment to have a little fun with prints. This knit, from Cotton + Steel, is about as playful as you can get. A potpourri of colorful symbols and shapes dance across a cream background, and we feel cheery just looking at it. The thinnest of the choices in this box, it's a great fabric to create a layering tee that will look gorgeous under a cardigan or tucked into those jeans that you made from our January Box!

Medium Weight Box: Camas Blouse from Thread Theory

While you may know Thread Theory from their menswear patterns, they also have a few women's patterns that have all the lovely tailored touches that their menswear patterns have. Take the Camas Blouse.

Combining the unrestricted comfort of a t-shirt and the put together elegance of a blouse, it's everything we are looking for in a knit top. A back yoke, with color-blocking potential, gives the top a button-up look, gathers at the shoulders create a flattering shape that is loose enough to float over the body rather than cling to it and a delicately curved hem can be tucked into trousers and skirts or can be left loose to float over skinny jeans.  Plus, the slim sleeves end just below the elbow to create the perfect multi-season blouse.  

So, let's look at fabrics:

• Cream/Plum Modal Jersey - If you listen to podcasts, you've probably heard of "Me Undies" which are made of micro-modal fabric "5x softer than cotton." Well, if modal makes your undies that much more comfortable, then imagine how good it will feel as a knit top?? Modal is a lovely fabric; in addition to its talked-about softness, it also has a beautiful drape and slight sheen, making it ideal for this pattern. Color-blocking with a soft cream for the main fabric and a rich plum for the yoke, these two fabric will be combine into one gorgeous blouse.
• Dark Gray Modal Jersey - A little bit lighter weight than the fabric above, this modal is a lush, dark heather gray. To us, it has a simple elegance that really complements the soft drape and feminine style line of the pattern. Worn with a pair of simple black pants and some heels, and you have a going-out outfit. Paired with jeans and some sandals, you've got your weekend look. With so many possibilities, we can't wait to make this top!
• Shibori Print Bamboo Jersey - If you've ever considered indigo-dying but haven't quite taken the leap, now there's no need. This bamboo jersey has the look of shibori dyed fabric, without turning your hands (and everything else) blue. Combined with a white jersey for the yoke, you have a top that will be perfect for both the seashore and the cityscape.

Curvy Box: Rivermont Top from Cashmerette Patterns 

Have you ever bought a knit top only to have it be skin tight across the bust and gaping everywhere else? Well, no more when you make your own! The best part about Cashmerette patterns is that they draft for a larger cup size, meaning that you don't have to do a Full Bust Adjustment or suffer through an ill-fitting knit shirt. Plus, they have amazing styling!

Breeze from day to night with the Rivermont Top.  A classic peplum top that highlights your curves the right way, the pattern offers three sleeve lengths - short, elbow or long - and is designed for heavier weight knits, so you're comfortable in any season. NOTE: Though the pattern also has a dress option, we are sticking with the theme and giving you fabric to make the top only.

Let's take a look at the fabrics:

• Royal Micro Stripe Brushed Spandex - This fabric is presented as an athletic fabric, and we think the juxtaposition of the dressy peplum in the sporty spandex is remarkable. Brushed on the back, meaning it will feel wonderful against your skin, this fabric has just the right amount of body and stretch for this pattern. And that color! It's so vibrant and beautiful! Make a dressy top that will feel like your most comfortable workout clothes with this fabric option
• Jet Black Ponte de Roma - We're in love with this ponte. Thick, stable and scrumptious, it's like the fabric of your favorite yoga pants or leggings. Turn that into a shirt, with the body of the fabric accentuating the peplum, and you've got a killer look to show off your curves.
• Abstract Expressionist Print Scuba - If you love color and pattern, this is the fabric for you. It reminds us of our favorite Abstract Expressionist painters (think Willem de Kooning), and it will look like you hand painted your top when you choose this fabric. Paired with a black cardigan or jeans, and this will be the statement top that looks just amazing as it feels.

Heavyweight Box: Bowline Sweater from Papercut Patterns

The past few months, if you've been paying attention to new patterns and sewcial media, you may have noticed that people are digging twists and ties. Well, meet one of the patterns that was ahead of the trend. The Bowline pattern has been around for a few years now, but it is a stylish now as it was when it first came out.

Inspired by seafaring knots and bow waves, the Bowline Sweater is part t-shirt, part sweater, and offers structure and casual wear rolled into one. The unique pleated front is a show-stopper and, combined with raglan sleeve, self-waistband and wide cuffs, it will surely feature heavily in your wardrobe rotation.

Check out the fabric options below:

• Cream Rayon Modal Sweater Knit - This fabric has a looser weave than a traditional jersey, and the yarn is a little bit bulkier, making it the perfect combination of t-shirt and sweater. With rayon and modal, it's got great drape to accentuate the asymmetrical front. And the cream color means it can be worn with practically anything. Say hello to your new favorite sweater.
• Navy/Ecru St. James Stripe Double Knit - Though the model doesn't look too happy in the photos, we can't imagine that she's anything but thrilled to be wearing such a cool stripey top. And that's why we wanted to create our own striped version, here with a navy and ecru stripe in a luscious rayon double knit. We've used this fabric before, and it sews up beautifully and doesn't pill like some pontes. With this fabric, your nautical sweater awaits.
• Brick Red Superfine Merino Jersey - A pop of color is just what we need during the transitional spring season where it can be sunny then rainy in the span of 15 minutes. Plus, on top of its awesome color, this merino jersey is lightweight yet warm, exactly what you want in a three-season sweater. With a slub knit gives some texture, you've got the makings of a stunning sweater.

Bonus! Stowe Bag from Grainline Studios

We realize that for those of you with our Curvy and Heavyweight Box, just a knit top may not seem like the luxury you were looking for. That's why we're including a second pattern in these two boxes, so you can really get your money's worth. 

The second pattern in question is the Stowe Bag from Grainline Studio. This bag is an everything tote that can be used as a purse, a grocery tote, a lunch bag, a craft carrier, a school bag... the list goes on and on.

In your kits, we're giving you fabric to make the small tote (It's 9.5x5x11) which is the perfect size all sorts of things. And the fabric we're using is the Balboa collection of Essex Linen from Robert Kaufman. We've chosen three different color ways, and then we'll match the bias tape and thread to your selection. Check out the options below:

      Orchid Dot                     Aqua Dash                  Chambray Dash 

And that's it for this month! Though we didn't do a Classic Box last month, it's making a return for April. And sticking with the knitwear theme, we're reprising our Sweatshirt Boxes from last September. Unfortunately, these boxes are before the introduction of our Curvy Box, so we do not have a size-inclusive Classic option. The good news is that the more boxes we send out, the more options we will have in the future. 

Right now, we're getting your swatches ready and we'll get them out to you as soon as we can. But be aware, depending on shipping, this may not be until the end of the month as we will be out of town for several days on a family vacation. We know waiting is hard, but we guarantee, with these fabrics, it will totally be worth it!

Until next time...

Happy Sewing,

Mary